Hiring guide · Science, Engineering & Lab
How to Hire an Aerospace Engineer
Pay benchmarks, qualifications, sourcing, screening and interview questions for hiring aerospace engineers, plus a plan to get them productive fast.
Write a clear job description, offer competitive pay (the national median is $134,960), recruit through community college and university engineering technology and science programs, verify PE license where applicable, run a structured interview with a practical skills check, and onboard with a 30-60-90 day plan.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
The hiring market for aerospace engineers
There are about 68,700 aerospace engineers employed in the U.S., with roughly 3,800 openings each year. Employment is projected to change +8.3% from 2025–35 (much faster than average). Expect competition for qualified candidates: speed and a strong offer matter.
Pay benchmarks for offers
| Candidate level | Annual | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (10th–25th percentile) | $86,700–$106,110 | $41.68–$51.01 |
| Typical / mid-career (median) | $134,960 | $64.89 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $169,690 | $81.58 |
| Top of market (90th percentile) | $205,890 | $98.99 |
*Annual ÷ 2,080 hours except median. National BLS data; adjust for your state and metro area. Many states and cities now require pay ranges in job postings.
What to look for
Must-haves
- Bachelor's degree (typical entry level)
- Aerodynamics
- Problem-solving
Nice-to-haves
- PE license
- Security clearance
- FAA DER
- Experience with CATIA or NX
Where to find aerospace engineers
- Community college and university engineering technology and science programs
- Co-op and internship programs
- Professional societies such as ASCE, ASME and IEEE
- Military technical veterans
- Job postings that use common alternate titles: Aeronautical Engineer, Astronautical Engineer, Propulsion Engineer, Flight Test Engineer
Screening checklist
- Degree, transcript or credential verification (PE, FE, ASCP) where required
- A practical exercise, lab test or CAD drawing review
- Background checks for regulated or secure facilities
- Reference checks focused on accuracy and documentation
Follow federal, state and local rules on background checks, drug testing and fair-chance hiring, and apply screening consistently to all candidates for the role.
Interview questions to ask
Ask every candidate the same questions and score answers on a structured scorecard.
1. “Describe a project.”
What a strong answer includes: Share.
2. “What analysis tools do you use?”
What a strong answer includes: List.
3. “Explain lift.”
What a strong answer includes: Explain.
4. “How do you validate models?”
What a strong answer includes: Explain.
5. “Can you get a clearance?”
What a strong answer includes: Answer.
Practical skills checks
A short demonstration beats a perfect resume. Ask candidates to talk you through, or perform under supervision, tasks such as:
- Run a Basic CFD Analysis (see the steps)
- Plan a Prototype Test (see the steps)
- Do a Stress Margin Check (see the steps)
Red flags
- Can’t describe basic safety practices for the role
- Vague or inconsistent work history with no explanation
- Unfamiliar with core terms such as ABET, PE license, FE exam
- Negative talk about every past employer or coworker
Onboard for retention
The first 90 days decide whether a new hire stays. Use our Aerospace Engineer 30-60-90 day onboarding plan and give every new hire the same foundation with Aerospace Engineer training. Show them the path forward: Engineer I → Engineer II → Senior Engineer → Chief Engineer.
Hiring aerospace engineers: FAQ
How much should I pay an aerospace engineer?
The U.S. median wage for aerospace engineers is $134,960 per year ($64.89/hour), according to BLS May 2025 data. Entry-level offers often fall near the 25th percentile ($106,110), while experienced hires command closer to the 75th percentile ($169,690). Adjust for your local market.
What qualifications should an aerospace engineer have?
BLS lists “bachelor's degree” as the typical entry-level education. Look for PE license and Security clearance where relevant, plus skills such as aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion.
How long does it take to train a new aerospace engineer?
Becoming qualified typically takes 4-year engineering degree. After hire, plan for a structured 30-60-90 day onboarding period; BLS classifies on-the-job training for this occupation as “none.”